Lake Issyk Kul Tours & Holidays
Lake Issyk Kul Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
Lake Issyk Kul, meaning "warm lake", is the second largest mountain lake in the world. Measuring 182km long by 58km wide, the lake is heated from below by thermal activity and never freezes, even in the depths of winter. In the summer, the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the clear blue waters, enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Most of the resorts are on the north shore of the lake and the area between ...
Lake Issyk Kul, meaning "warm lake", is the second largest mountain lake in the world. Measuring 182km long by 58km wide, the lake is heated from below by thermal activity and never freezes, even in the depths of winter. In the summer, the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the clear blue waters, enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Most of the resorts are on the north shore of the lake and the area between here and Almaty in Kazakhstan is excellent trekking territory.
Best experiences
View the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata
Experience ancient history dating from the 2nd millennium BCE up to the 4th century AD at one of the main sights in Cholpon-Ata, the open-air museum of petroglyphs. The vast museum is dotted with stone circles, tombs, balbals, and a variety of petroglyphs.
Experience incredible eagle hunting
One of the most fascinating Kyrgyz traditions is eagle hunting. Take in the history and skill of these strong local hunting traditions and learn about the way it they have shaped the livelihood of locals for centuries.
Relax on a Kyrgz Beach
Cholpon Ata is halfway along the lake's northern shore and popular for its beaches and Soviet era sanitoria. Full of Soviet era resort buildings, today it is a peaceful place to relax or enjoy a variety of water sports including sailing, windsurfing or rowing.OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Almaluu Yurt Camp, Bokonbayevo
Only five kilometres from Bokonbayevo, the Almaluu Yurt Camp is within the ethno-village of craft and culture called "Almaluu". The village is a melting pot of different Kyrgyz traditions, ways of life…
Art Hotel Al Hayat, Khadjy Sai Village
Al Hayat is a small guesthouse with rooms set around a colourful garden. The friendly hosts help support local artists by providing space for local meetings and workshops, as well as providing them…